What this error means
Heating element fault — the heating element has failed or has an electrical fault
The F08 error means the control board has detected that the heating element is not functioning correctly — either it is drawing no current when it should be, it has an open circuit, or it has developed an earth leakage fault. This is distinct from F03 which is a temperature sensor fault. F08 specifically indicates a problem with the element itself or its direct wiring.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Door glass feels cold or barely warm during a 60 or 90-degree programme
- Laundry comes out at room temperature after a hot programme
- F08 displayed partway through a wash programme
- Programme runs far longer than the estimated time before faulting
Diagnostic steps
Unplug for 5 minutes, plug back in and run a 60-degree programme with 2 to 3 items. After 15 minutes place your hand flat on the door glass — it should feel noticeably warm to hot. If completely cold, the element is not heating at all.
In hard water areas, limescale coats the element and causes abnormal resistive heating that can produce unexpected current patterns the control board flags as F08. Add a washing machine descaler to the empty drum and run a full 90-degree empty cycle.
With the machine completely unplugged, remove the rear panel by undoing the screws around its edge. The heating element is the U-shaped metal bar mounted at the lower rear of the drum casing. It has two spade terminals and a small NTC thermistor sensor clipped near it.
Disconnect the wiring from both element terminals. Set a multimeter to resistance (ohms). Touch one probe to each terminal. A healthy Indesit washing machine element reads between 20 and 50 ohms. A reading of zero (short circuit) or OL (open circuit) confirms the element has failed.
With the machine unplugged, inspect the wiring loom connecting the element terminals to the main harness. Look for burnt insulation, chafed wires near the drum casing, corroded spade connectors, or any terminal not fully engaged. Disconnect and firmly reconnect each connector.
If the resistance test is outside the normal range or shows an earth fault, fit a replacement element matched to your Indesit model. Run a 60-degree test cycle after replacement to confirm F08 has cleared.
When to call an engineer
- Element resistance is outside 20 to 50 ohms — element has failed
- Element shows continuity between a terminal and earth — earth leakage fault, replace immediately
- Element wiring connector is burnt or melted
- F08 persists after descaling and full reset — element must be replaced
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between F08 and F03 on an Indesit washing machine?
Can limescale cause F08 without the element being physically broken?
Is an earth fault on the heating element dangerous?
Can I test the element myself?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine
Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Element | £12 - £30 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
| Heating Element | £15 - £25 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| NTC Thermistor | £10 - £20 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.